CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – In his first major selection announcement as the new head coach of New Zealand’s world-famous All Blacks, Dave Rennie has turned to rising star Ruben Love to start at flyhalf for the team’s historic Nations Championship opening match against France, overlooking seasoned veterans Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie in a surprising call that underscores his commitment to fresh talent.
The 25-year-old Love, who has earned five test caps to date, earned his starting spot after delivering standout performances in the recent Super Rugby playoffs that outshone both Barrett and McKenzie. Beyond his strong form, Love brings a distinct playing style to the pitch that sets him apart from his more experienced competitors. Where 145-test veteran Barrett typically opts to pass or kick before engaging the defensive line, and 74-cap McKenzie often moves sideways before testing defenses with a straight run, Love relies on an aggressive, instinctive approach to take on defensive lines directly.
To keep a cohesive core unit, Rennie has paired Love with two of his fellow Hurricanes teammates in the inside backs: Cam Roigard will start at scrumhalf, while Jordie Barrett takes the inside center position. In another unexpected selection, Damian McKenzie has been moved to fullback, while Beauden Barrett did not earn a spot in the 23-man matchday squad entirely.
Two uncapped rookies, Hurricanes prop Xavier Numia and leading 2024 Super Rugby try-scorer winger Fehi Fineanganofo, are set to make their All Blacks debuts off the bench in Saturday’s clash. Fineanganofo earned his call-up after a breakout regular season that saw him cross the try line 17 times, more than any other player in the competition.
Ardie Savea will lead the side as captain from his position at the back of the scrum, with Luke Jacobson starting at open side flanker and Peter Lakai taking the blindside role. Rennie framed his selection as a deliberate balance of proven veteran experience and exciting emerging talent, with a depth-focused bench built to deliver impactful changes through the match.
“We know we are facing a formidable French side that boasts a strong set piece, a clinical kicking game, and outstanding ability to keep possession alive,” Rennie told reporters. “To match them, we will need to be physical, accurate, and alert for every moment of the game. Over the past nine days, our group has worked hard to build connection and clarity on our game plan, and that foundation will give us the space to play our best rugby and express ourselves on Saturday.”
Veteran hooker Codie Taylor will notch his 107th test cap in the starting lineup, with dynamic Hurricanes prospect Asafo Aumua waiting to come off the bench. Rennie retained the starting propping combination of Ethan de Groot and Fletcher Newell that featured for the side last year, with Numia and Tyrel Lomax available as impact substitutions. In the second row, Josh Lord and Sam Darry will pair up after former captain Scott Barrett was ruled out of the contest with an injury. Rounding out the starting lineup, Will Jordan will start on the right wing, Caleb Clarke on the left, and Quinn Tupaea will partner Jordie Barrett in the starting midfield.
Saturday’s fixture at Christchurch marks the opening match of the brand-new 12-team Nations Championship, a landmark competition that pits top Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere nations against one another in a new global showpiece. The opening round will feature six matches across six nations: alongside the New Zealand-France clash, Japan will host Italy in Tokyo, Australia will face Ireland in Sydney, South Africa will take on England in Johannesburg, Fiji will play Wales in Cardiff, and Argentina will meet Scotland in Cordoba.
Full All Blacks Matchday 23:
Starters: Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Ruben Love, Cam Roigard; Ardie Savea (captain), Luke Jacobson, Peter Lakai, Sam Darry, Josh Lord, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot.
Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Patrick Tuipulotu, Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Billy Proctor, Fehi Fineanganofo.